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Douglas Grady: The myths about tattoos in society

While we’re not going to delve through the history books, it’s clear to see that tattoos have now been around for decades. They are something that has certainly survived the test of time as well; one only has to look at the different generations that don them to see this in full detail.

However, even though they have been in society for a long period of time, whether or not they have been truly accepted is a different matter in its entirety. This is something that Douglas Grady has found even more prominent in New York, where opinions about tattoos are perhaps even more vocal.

All of the above has led to us conducting a bit of research on tattoos in general, and finding out some of the most common misconceptions that arise about them. Through today’s post, we will now look to debunk these myths for good.

“Those who have had tattoos can’t give blood”

There is an element of truth in this first myth, as some authorities state that you can’t give blood immediately after receiving a tattoo. However, to say that you can never give blood is a gross inaccuracy.

Generally, you will have to wait several months before being able to give blood. However, as soon as this period has lapsed, you are free to give as you please.

“It is illegal to get a tattoo in New York”

Again, there may have been some truth in this next myth at one stage, but now you should completely disregard it. If we cast our minds back to the period between 1961 and 1997, it was illegal to get a tattoo in New York. This was all due to a hepatitis scare in the 60s. However, it’s now completely safe in NYC, and the whole of the US for that matter.

“You should take a painkiller before receiving a tattoo”

Unfortunately, they still haven’t invented a technology which makes receiving a tattoo utterly painless. This doesn’t mean to say that you should turn to painkillers before your procedure, though.

The problem is that a lot of painkillers will thin your blood. This means that you will bleed more during the inking process, which obviously isn’t desirable. Not only that, but it can mean that the colours aren’t quite as accurate as you would have hoped.

“There is a clear link between infected tattoo needles and HIV”

This is perhaps one of the more interesting myths that we will come across in relation to tattoos. For as long as the world has spun round, we seem to have been taught that there is a correlation between infected tattoo needles and HIV. This is partly because the authorities tell us that there is a potential risk (in which case, we should of course take it very seriously).

However, the intriguing element comes from the fact that no cases of HIV have ever been reported following an infected needle with body art. Ultimately, you of course need to be careful, but it’s still something that has never occurred.